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Buying a Chihuahua

Buyer beware!
The Club has received a number of calls from members of the public
who have been defrauded out of money by people advertising pups for sale on the Internet
or in various publications. They show pictures of attractive pups, and when contacted
may ask quite reasonable prices for them, but then want some money up front before the
dog can be delivered to the buyer. This may be for veterinary fees, travel/shipping costs,
a simple deposit or some other excuse, and they may say they will only collect full payment
once you have seen it and agree that it is what you want. All too often, once the advance
payment has been received the seller disappears and starts to advertise the puppy under a
different name and in another part of the country. Some hopeful buyers have lost hundreds
of pounds in this way, with nothing to show for it.

We strongly recommend that potential purchasers of Chihuahua puppies do
not buy puppies sight unseen from someone they've never met. When buying from a reputable
breeder, in all instances it should be possible to visit their premises and see the puppy's mother
and possibly other relatives as well. We would advise that you do not part with any money
in the way of a deposit unless you have been to the breeder's premises to view the puppy and you
get a receipt for your money.

Do you know where your puppy came from?
Photos by Gabor & Dori Izsak

In a way it is unfortunate that the breed has seen a huge upturn in popularity
in recent years, as this has encouraged people who have no real interest in the breed to have
litters of puppies to make money. They breed purely to make a quick profit, normally
giving no thought to the dogs they own or breed, and certainly not to people buying from
them. We would advise people who are serious about buying a Chihuahua that they consider
very carefully who they buy from, not only are there people who are fraudulent but also
people who do not breed for any other reason than to make as much money as they can. This
goal does not benefit the puppy, the breed or the buyer.

Buying from a BCC member
Breeders who are members of the British Chihuahua Club have agreed to be bound by a stringent
code of ethics approved by The Kennel Club and
intended to protect puppies and new owners alike. If you would like to find out whether
any BCC members in your area may have Chihuahua pups for sale, please contact the Hon Secretary
who will try to put you in touch with Club members who currently
have or are about to have puppies available. Likewise if you are a Club member with puppies
for sale, please contact the Hon Secretary to advise himm of the details.